Material handling processing machine having interchangeable components for providing multi-functionality
A material handling machine includes a substantially cylindrical tub having an inlet and outlet where the tub includes a ring configured internally to the tub. A hopper is used for directing materials entering the inlet and a grate covers the inlet for controlling the amount of material into the tub. An impeller is rotated using a motor for processing material singulated by the impeller and a basket sifts material from the impeller. The impeller is supported by the main spindle such that the at least one impeller and basket are interchangeable depending on the type of material.
The present invention relates generally to material handling machines and more particularly to a material handing machine with interchangeable internal components for providing multifunctionality.
BACKGROUNDMaterial handling machines are known in the art for processing various types of materials. In both commercial and industrial use, these machines often are very large enabling them to process various types of materials. One problem associated with these machines, is that often a separate machine is required for each type of material. Consequently, the user must purchase multiple machines at a high expense and alternate these machines in and out depending on need. Thus, the need exists to provide a single machine that can be used in multiple material handing environments.
The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views and which together with the detailed description below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and to explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the present invention.
Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTIONBefore describing in detail embodiments that are in accordance with the present invention, it should be observed that the embodiments reside primarily in combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to a material handling machine having interchangeable components. Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.
In this document, relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises . . . a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element. It is expected that one of ordinary skill, notwithstanding possibly significant effort and many design choices motivated by, for example, available time, current technology, and economic considerations, when guided by the concepts and principles disclosed herein will be readily capable of practicing the invention with minimal experimentation.
Inside the mesh 311, a standard impeller 315 rotates at a substantially high speed to throw material though the mesh 311. Although the standard impeller 315 is illustrated with four tapered blades, those skilled in the art will recognize that different blade configurations and sizes are possible depending on the materials being processed. The standard impeller 315 is rotated using a main spindle 317 such that the spindle 317 extends orthogonally from the surface of the basket bottom 319 which is a substantially round plate. A motor 321 and gear box 323 work to rotate the standard impeller 315 and main spindle 317 at a substantially high rate so as to process materials though the machine. One or more mounts 325 work to attach the gear box 323 with the tub 307.
The sifted material such as a powder then falls though the tub 401 where it is ejected from the bottom of the tub 401. Those skilled in the art will recognize an important feature of the invention is the interchangeability of components inside the tub 401. Since various configurations of components can be used with an angle ring 405, the material handling capabilities of one machine can easily be interchanged changed or reconfigured in the tub 401, by lifting out one set of components in the tub 401 for another. The new components and angle ring 405 will fit directly into the tub ring 403 through the use of fastening pins or the like. This allows the industrial consumer to use only one machine preventing the necessity to purchase multiple machines for differing material handling needs.
Thereafter, the processed material, such as clumped fruit or the like, falls though the tub 701 where it is ejected for use. As noted herein, the declumper as described herein can be easily interchanged into the tub 701 though the use of the angle ring 705 and tub ring 703. If another material handling arrangement is required, the declumper can be easily removed from its secure position over the tub ring 703 and replaced with another type of machine e.g. the powder sifter, that might be needed for a particular application. This allows the industrial consumer a great amount of versatility since multiple machines do not have to be purchased, set-up and/or exchanged each time different types of material handling processes are required.
Thus, the present invention is directed to a material handling machine having interchangeable components for processing different types of materials. The machine uses a tub having an inlet and outlet that are substantially linearly aligned. A hopper is for directing material to the inlet and a selectable impeller is used for singulating, chopping and/or sifting material entering the hopper. A sieve or basket is used for filtering processed material from the impeller. A motor and spindle rotate the impeller. The material handling machine is unique in that it includes an interior ring within the basket allowing differing types of components to be interchanged depending a desired sifting or declumping processes required for various types of materials.
In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of present invention. The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all the claims. The invention is defined solely by the appended claims including any amendments made during the pendency of this application and all equivalents of those claims as issued.
Claims
1. A material handling machine comprising:
- a cylindrical tub having an inlet and outlet where the tub includes a ring configured internally to the tub for supporting a hopper for directing materials entering the inlet;
- a grate covering the inlet;
- at least one impeller rotated using a motor for processing material by the impeller;
- a basket having a plurality of vertical slats for singulating clumped material from the at least one impeller; and
- wherein the at least one impeller is supported by a shaft such that the at least one impeller and basket are interchangeable depending on the type of material.
2. A material handling machine as in claim 1, wherein the at least one impeller includes a plurality of tapered blades for sifting powder.
3. A material handling machine as in claim 1, wherein the at least one impeller includes a plurality of vertical blades for declumping material.
4. A material handling machine as in claim 3, wherein the plurality of vertical blades are tubes.
5. A material handling machine as in claim 1, wherein the basket is meshed screen.
6. A material handling machine as in claim 1, wherein the inlet and outlet are linearly aligned.
7. A material handling machine as in claim 1, wherein the basket is perforated metal.
8. A material handling machine having interchangeable components for processing different types of materials comprising:
- a tub having an inlet and outlet where a basket within the tub has a plurality of vertical slats for filtering declumped material;
- a hopper for directing material to the inlet;
- at least one impeller for processing material entering the hopper;
- a sieve for filtering processed material from the at least one impeller;
- a motor and spindle for rotating the at least one impeller; and
- wherein the input and outlet are linearly aligned such that material entering at one end of the tub exit at the opposite end of the tub.
9. A material handling machine as in claim 8, further comprising a feed plate rotating with and configured above the at least one impeller for directing materials to the at least one impeller.
10. A material handling machine as in claim 8, further comprising a gearbox for translating rotating motion form the motor orthogonally to the spindle.
11. A material handling machine as in claim 8, wherein the at least one impeller and sieve are interchangeable for use in different types of materials.
12. A material handling machine as in claim 8, wherein the at least one impeller includes a plurality of tapered blades for sifting powder.
13. A material handling machine as in claim 8, wherein the at least one impeller includes a plurality of vertical blades for declumping material.
14. A material handling machine as in claim 13, wherein the plurality of vertical blades are tubes.
15. A material handling machine as in claim 8, wherein the sieve is a basket formed using meshed screen.
16. A material handling machine as in claim 8, wherein the sieve is a basket using a plurality of vertical slats for filtering declumped material.
17. A material processor comprising:
- an enclosure having an ingress at one end of the enclosure through which material is received into the enclosure and a discharge at the opposite end of the enclosure through which material is removed from the enclosure;
- a hopper for directing material into the ingress;
- a spindle rotatably mounted within the enclosure, the spindle having a longitudinal spindle axis about which the spindle rotates;
- a motor operatively connected with the enclosure and rotating the spindle using a gearbox for orthogonally translating motion from the motor to the spindle;
- an impeller rotated by the motor for processing the material from the hopper where the impeller includes a plurality of tubes for declumping the material;
- a basket acting as a sieve, the sieve sifting material from the ingress and providing sifted material to the discharge; and
- wherein the impeller and basket are interchangeable allowing for processing differing types of materials.
18. A material processor as in claim 17, wherein the impeller includes a plurality of tapered blades for sifting powder.
19. A material processor as in claim 17, wherein the basket includes a plurality of vertical slats for filtering declumped material.
20. A material handling machine as in claim 8, wherein the sieve is a basket formed using perforated metal.
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Type: Grant
Filed: Oct 11, 2019
Date of Patent: Dec 7, 2021
Assignee: Whirlwind Engineering, Inc. (Grand Rapids, MI)
Inventor: Steven J. Cencich (Grand Rapids, MI)
Primary Examiner: Patrick H Mackey
Application Number: 16/599,680
International Classification: B07B 1/20 (20060101); B07B 1/18 (20060101);